I'm Becoming Afraid To Walk My Dogs

[Alison03]

You also can't always predict what your dog will do. Just because your dog has obeyed a command every time you've given it, doesn't actually mean he/she will obey it next time.

Management is such an important part of owning a dog, it is just as important as training and socialisation.

There are a couple of dogs around here who are frequently off lead and I would most of the time they've been fine. One lives very close to us and we've passed her nearly every day for the last 3 years and she ignores us. Yet three times, for reasons I can't be sure of, she hasn't ignored us. Once she ran at us and crossed the road in doing so, and another time she sprang out at us from behind a tree and gave my Dane such a shock. Once with my other dog she got into a crouch and froze and it was a very scary moment she was completely silent, but very much looked like she was about to attack, she was very serious and I had never seen her like that before, ever. Her owner called her back just in time and I couldn't budge my boy who was frozen in fright. As I said that is three times in about 3 years and she is out every day for a couple of hours. This means that she is unreliable approximately 0.27% of the time (or reliable 99.73% of the time - which would generally be considered pretty good) yet those times she has been unreliable could have ended very badly and were certainly very stressful for me and my dogs.

Exactly those few occasions were very stressful for you and your dogs, what gives any dog owner the right to cause that kind of stress in someone else. What makes them think they are above the law, all the statements they make about how perfectly behaved their dog is off leash, will mean absolutely nothing in court, especially if the magistrate has dealt with dog attacks before. It only takes one time for something awful to happen to seal the fate of a dog and get a massive fine in the process.

[Alison03]

Seems you might be one of those.. lol

http://www.atlbanana.com/local-dog-owner-struggling-with-off-leash-addiction/

You must have trouble with written comprehension. Why don't you go back over my post slowly and you might be able to figure out why I'm not one of those. It was a good attempt at insulting me.

If you've read all the recent posts on this very subject, I put it to you that it is in fact you who has a problem with written comprehension, that is causing you to be massively in denial about your actions.

I think you are every inch the person described in "off leash addiction", the fact that you can't see it is worrying, and makes the rest of us question whether you have a rational mind at all.

Read the posts, the words "Arrogant" and "Selfish" have been used to describe your opinions on walking your dog off leash.

You obviously feel you have the God given right to walk your dog off leash, I don't care how well behaved his is or if he does the Times crossword while you drink your coffee or indeed even if Toby is reading economics at Cambridge, he is still a dog and its still illegal to have him off leash in a public area, I suggest you buy a desert island somewhere so Toby can be off leash 24/7, do that and I promise I won't say another word about it.

[Salukifan]

Anyone who thinks that their decisions to blow off leash laws because they have great control over their dogs is harmless needs to read *kirty's* original post again. Slowly if that helps.

Like it or not, every dog owner who thinks that they don't need to obey the law IS having an impact on the rest of us.

Walk a mile in the shoes of someone with a reactive dog or who has had their dog attacked and show some bloody empathy and courtesy FFS.

We're not mind readers, we don't know you or your dog. Walk if offleash in onlead only areas and you are part of our problem regardless of what you do.

I respect your right to use offleash dog areas and I avoid them. How about you stay out of onlead only areas with your off leash dog or put it on a lead like the rest of us do. If your dog never leaves your side, a leash is hardly going to spoil his fun is it?

Edited September 14, 2013 by Haredown Whippets

[bozzieUD]

Last Saturday my young Aussie was attacked at the Dogs Vic KCC Park by 2 dogs who BROKE out of the off leash area . These dogs ( owed by Non-members) ran approx 40 metres to carry out the attack while we had our backs turned -walking away from them. Several things contributed to my dog and I surviving the prolonged attack relatively 'injury free'. Firstly I had my dog ON LEASH. If he was walking free these two Am-staffs (in appearance) would have run him down and tore him to pieces . ( My young dog doesn't have an aggressive bone in his body.) Secondly he has a thick coat. The dogs were biting and swinging off his rear end and only had mouthfuls of hair. Clumps left in the park! Thirdly I hung on to my dogs collar and kicked the attacking dogs for all I was worth. ( my dog's life depended on my strength ). There are many things I could write about this attack and Ive spent the week at doctors, council, and reporting to Dogs Vic. All I keep thinking is' thank God 'I had my dog on lead and didn't have my 6yr old son with me. And frankly the way I feel at the moment ( I know this will pass) I wish it was legal to carry Pepper Spray and a hand gun!. At this moment in time, I couldn't care less if I injured or even killed the attacking dogs.

Edited September 14, 2013 by bozzieUD

[Alison03]

I'm more of the opinion that the more nicely behaved off lead dogs the average Joe sees/meets, the better...

Seriously though, if you have a highly reactive dog, is it fair on them (or you for that matter) to be taking them to areas that may be crowded with people or other dogs? Wouldn't that be more likely to heighten their tension rather than being an enjoyable stroll for you both?

Also - if YOU are on edge whenever you see an offlead dog - don't you think that your own dog will be picking up on that tension and thusly be transmitting their own? Surely the number of offlead and aggressive dogs out and about isn't the epidemic that some would have us believe?

I've been living in this area since 1999 - and have only been rushed at by unfriendly loose dogs twice when out walking my own. Plenty of smaller territorial dogs making noise from their front yards, but nothing that has been seriously "menacing" or of any concern to me or my dogs. I live in an area where we have a very high number of people living on government assistance, and have all manner of the staffy or mastiff crosses as pets - but the unfriendly ones have definitely been a very small minority from my experience.

T.

I'm more of the opinion that if everyone obeyed the law and kept their dogs leashed as they are supposed too, then none of this would be an issue

Don't you think being rushed by unfriendly dogs only twice as you said, is twice too many times, what if your dog had been attacked and killed on one of those occasions, would that have been ok because it only happened twice. I know what would happen your posts on this forum would be very close to looking like mine for a start.

If you think the amount of dog attacks isn't that bad then you haven't been paying attention at all, only a few weeks ago two elderly ladies were attacked in separate incidents, one is still in hospital, then their was the lady who was attacked while pushing her child in a pram, they may be isolated incidents but they feel pretty bloody disastrous if they happen to you or someone you love.

If you still feel its ok and in fact beneficial for everyone to have the experience of meeting off leash dogs, you should have realised from reading the other posts on here today that you are in the minority. Seeing as the rest of us aren't as enlightened and downright superior as you and Razor, please go and live on Razors desert island (I suggested he bought one for himself) and have a blast off leash there, i do hope Toby likes your dog or you could have a problem.

[Alison03]

Last Saturday my young Aussie was attacked at the KCC Park by 2 dogs who BROKE out of the off leash area . These dogs ( owed by Non-members) ran approx 40 metre to carry out the attack while we had our backs turned, walking away from them. Several things contributed to my dog and I surviving the prolonged attack relatively 'injury free'. Firstly I had my dog ON LEAD. If he was walking free these two Am-staffs ( in appearance ) would have run him down and tore him to pieces .( My dog doesn't have an aggressive bone in his body.) Secondly he has a thick coat. The dogs were biting and swinging off his rear end and only had mouthfuls of hair. Thirdly I hung on to my dogs collar and kicked the attacking dogs in the stomach for all I was worth. ( my dog's life depended on my strength ). There are many things I could write about this attack and Ive spent the week at doctors, council, and reporting to Dogs Vic. All I keep thinking is thank God I had my dog on lead and didn't have my 6yr old son with me. And frankly the way I feel at the moment ( I know this will pass) I wish it was legal to carry Pepper Spray. I couldn't care less if it injured the attacking dogs.

I'm really sorry to hear of your experience, I absolutely empathise with what happened to you as I had a similar thing happen to me, it was only my strength that allowed me to do battle with the two large dogs that attacked me and my non reactive bomb proof Shihtzu. I think it is very restrained of you to suggest carrying pepper spray. I didn't walk my dog for 12 months, and if I had been forced too nothing less than carrying a 357 magnum would induce me to step out of the door with her on my own. No one knows how it feels to be attacked by large dogs out in the open until it happens to them, it was the single most terrifying experiences of my life. At the time I thanked God I didn't have my 4 year old granddaughter with me.

I hope you recover quicker than I did, to be honest I don't think I'll ever fully recover, the care free days of walking my dog are over for me, now I'm constantly on the alert for those superior dog owners with their off leash dogs. I carry a spray called Spray Shield, its harmless to dogs but does have shock value, not sure it would help with the super aggressive dogs but its better than nothing and its legal, unlike pepper spray or a 357 Magnum. :)

[Steph M]

I have no problem at all with friendly, well mannered, sociable off lead dogs. It really is an owner prerogative, whilst not for me to walk my bouncy puppy next to a main road I've seen many dogs do just fine for many years. Sure there's probably unfortunate road incidents and what not, but not my place to judge nor to panic. It does neither of us any good.

It is against the law, and inevitably shit does happen so it comes down to their risk, their fault. If they get fined or their dog injured or killed it's awful, but a risk they took.

Obviously applies differently to those dogs who are known to be nasty or a PITA etc.

[trinabean]

Anyone who thinks that their decisions to blow off leash laws because they have great control over their dogs is harmless needs to read *kirty's* original post again. Slowly if that helps.

Like it or not, every dog owner who thinks that they don't need to obey the law IS having an impact on the rest of us.

Walk a mile in the shoes of someone with a reactive dog or who has had their dog attacked and show some bloody empathy and courtesy FFS.

We're not mind readers, we don't know you or your dog. Walk if offleash in onlead only areas and you are part of our problem regardless of what you do.

I respect your right to use offleash dog areas and I avoid them. How about you stay out of onlead only areas with your off leash dog or put it on a lead like the rest of us do. If your dog never leaves your side, a leash is hardly going to spoil his fun is it?

Yes, for those of us who avoid off-leash areas, is it really too much to ask that people obey the law elsewhere, and put it on a lead?

I'm more of the opinion that if everyone obeyed the law and kept their dogs leashed as they are supposed too, then none of this would be an issue

Yes, precisely. Keep your dog leashed in an area where it is legally required to be on-lead. And keep it adequately confined when in it's yard. It's not rocket science to shut and lock a gate. So many problems and dog attacks could be avoided if these laws were respected.

[Alison03]

Anyone who thinks that their decisions to blow off leash laws because they have great control over their dogs is harmless needs to read *kirty's* original post again. Slowly if that helps.

Like it or not, every dog owner who thinks that they don't need to obey the law IS having an impact on the rest of us.

Walk a mile in the shoes of someone with a reactive dog or who has had their dog attacked and show some bloody empathy and courtesy FFS.

We're not mind readers, we don't know you or your dog. Walk if offleash in onlead only areas and you are part of our problem regardless of what you do.

I respect your right to use offleash dog areas and I avoid them. How about you stay out of onlead only areas with your off leash dog or put it on a lead like the rest of us do. If your dog never leaves your side, a leash is hardly going to spoil his fun is it?

I absolutely agree with every single word you just typed. Especially the "Show some empathy and courtesy FFS". Its the complete lack of consideration for anyone else that appalls me the most. :thumbsup:

[Are You Serious Jo]

I have no problem at all with friendly, well mannered, sociable off lead dogs. It really is an owner prerogative, whilst not for me to walk my bouncy puppy next to a main road I've seen many dogs do just fine for many years. Sure there's probably unfortunate road incidents and what not, but not my place to judge nor to panic. It does neither of us any good.

It is against the law, and inevitably shit does happen so it comes down to their risk, their fault. If they get fined or their dog injured or killed it's awful, but a risk they took.

Obviously applies differently to those dogs who are known to be nasty or a PITA etc.

The problem is that if people won't respect the on lead laws those policing that area will just make it no dogs at all. That directly affects those of us who do the right thing. So they aren't only risking their own dog's life.

[HazyWal]

Anyone who thinks that their decisions to blow off leash laws because they have great control over their dogs is harmless needs to read *kirty's* original post again. Slowly if that helps.

Like it or not, every dog owner who thinks that they don't need to obey the law IS having an impact on the rest of us.

Walk a mile in the shoes of someone with a reactive dog or who has had their dog attacked and show some bloody empathy and courtesy FFS.

We're not mind readers, we don't know you or your dog. Walk if offleash in onlead only areas and you are part of our problem regardless of what you do.

I respect your right to use offleash dog areas and I avoid them. How about you stay out of onlead only areas with your off leash dog or put it on a lead like the rest of us do. If your dog never leaves your side, a leash is hardly going to spoil his fun is it?

Well said

[Salukifan]

I have no problem at all with friendly, well mannered, sociable off lead dogs. It really is an owner prerogative, whilst not for me to walk my bouncy puppy next to a main road I've seen many dogs do just fine for many years. Sure there's probably unfortunate road incidents and what not, but not my place to judge nor to panic. It does neither of us any good.

It is against the law, and inevitably shit does happen so it comes down to their risk, their fault. If they get fined or their dog injured or killed it's awful, but a risk they took.

Obviously applies differently to those dogs who are known to be nasty or a PITA etc.

No, it isn't. The law has removed that prerogative for certain areas. The risks others take for their dogs translate to issues for the rest of us. Seems to me people need to look beyond their own convenience or pleasure and simply obey the law.

Leash up and deal with it people. While you're at it, spare a thought for those who accidentally injure or kill dogs that owners decide not to leash. Hardly a trauma they should have to deal with because you took a risk, not matter how calculated.

I've hit a dog. Bloody awful. And totally freakin preventable.

Edited September 14, 2013 by Haredown Whippets

[Alison03]

I have no problem at all with friendly, well mannered, sociable off lead dogs. It really is an owner prerogative, whilst not for me to walk my bouncy puppy next to a main road I've seen many dogs do just fine for many years. Sure there's probably unfortunate road incidents and what not, but not my place to judge nor to panic. It does neither of us any good.

It is against the law, and inevitably shit does happen so it comes down to their risk, their fault. If they get fined or their dog injured or killed it's awful, but a risk they took.

Obviously applies differently to those dogs who are known to be nasty or a PITA etc.

It is absolutely your right to have the opinion that it is the owners prerogative to leash their dog or not, however do you not feel that other community members also have the right to walk their on lead dogs without having the fear of being harassed or attacked by some off leash dog that suddenly takes a dislike to them. It only takes one occasion, for everything to go terribly wrong, and it just doesn't impact the dog owner and their off leash dog, they may well be prepared to take the risk and the consequences, but how dare they include complete strangers in the risk they have taken.

It is everybody's place to judge and yes even panic when they see something going on that is blatantly wrong and unsafe, that is what the human community is built on, individuals stopping actions that can harm others. There is a saying that goes something like "In order for wrongdoing (or evil) to prosper, it is only necessary for good men (or women) to do nothing". No one should mind their own business when they see someone in the community part taking in an act that could be dangerous to someone else. Walking a dog off leash is part taking in a dangerous act, especially a large dog, dogs are essentially predators, anyone who forgets that is liable for a rude awakening.

[trinabean]

I thought of this thread this morning when we were rushed by a medium-sized snarling dog through it's open (yet again) front gates. I yelled at it, a lady came out and dragged the dog forcibly inside, telling me "It's alright."

It's not alright, it's the 4th bl**dy time this dog has rushed us through open front gates. Luckily each time, someone has dragged it off the footpath and away. A verbal altercation ensued with the homes' occupants (adult son threatened me for 'swearing at his mother') Adult son pointed at my non-reacting dog and said "Your f*ck'n dog would kill my dog anyway!" Yes, because you can tell that by looking at a dog. *Sigh*

I feel sorry for the dog. This is largely why I haven't reported it previously. Last time it rushed us the person who dragged him away was apologetic "He's old and deaf." His eyesight is spot-on though. He spots us and an open gate, every chance he gets. And if he's deaf, well, all the more reason to shut the gate and keep him away from the road. You'd think.

I've called the council and they are sending a ranger for me to make a statement to. It's clear that the owners of this dog are never going to learn unless action is taken.

You have absolutely done the right thing, everyone should report an incident like this, why should these people be allowed to control the road, this definitely meets the definition of menacing, so be sure to put that word in your report. One day there won't be anyone to drag the dog back inside and he may attack you or some other dog walker, like a child with a little dog for instance. If they shouted he's old and deaf at me I'd shout "Does he still have teeth". if they have gates they should try shutting them to keep the dog in, this kind of thing really gets up my nose, the way they make it sound, like its you thats overreacting and upsetting them.

I try to walk my little dog everyday, because we both need the exercise, but I have to force myself to do it because I almost feel like I'm risking her life every time I take her out, most of the time its fine but now and then some son of bitch who shouldn't own a dog, has his pet running free in the park. Then my walk turns into a shouting match, even though I am clearly in the right because my little dog is leashed and his horse sized dog isn't. I rang animal control and the nice lady told me that if she had a little dog she wouldn't walk it at all, its far to dangerous to take small dogs outside. WTF is that what I pay my rates for. Anyway she wanted the guys name and address, which of course I don't have.

Not wanting to derail Kirty's thread, but I think this may be relevent to emphasize the importance of reporting incidents. As a post-script to my report on being rushed by a dog (through open front gates) on a footpath on Thursday morning, the ranger has spoken to the dog's owners. They made a lot of excuses, their dog is "old, deaf, sneaky" -ranger responded that it was up to them to contain him and shut the gates. They also said that their dog "didn't actually bite" -ranger explained that a dog escaping it's property could run up and lick someone, it's still classed as a dog attack if it rushes someone.

The last excuse/disclaimer was a doozy. The owners said that my dog was a "pitbull" and would have killed their cattledog X anyway, if things ramped up.

Nevermind that my pedigree Boxer has a sweet temperament and been well-socialised with dogs and people. In fact the ranger responded with "Well, aren't you lucky that the lady had socialised her dog, and it didn't react to yours!"

The dog I reported has a history with the council, going back years. The problem is that not many people report these sort of incidents, and there are years in between reports on this dog. The ranger has asked that I report this dog every time he is out, so that she can start issuing infringements. It's the only way owners like this will learn.

[Alison03]

I have no problem at all with friendly, well mannered, sociable off lead dogs. It really is an owner prerogative, whilst not for me to walk my bouncy puppy next to a main road I've seen many dogs do just fine for many years. Sure there's probably unfortunate road incidents and what not, but not my place to judge nor to panic. It does neither of us any good.

It is against the law, and inevitably shit does happen so it comes down to their risk, their fault. If they get fined or their dog injured or killed it's awful, but a risk they took.

Obviously applies differently to those dogs who are known to be nasty or a PITA etc.

No, it isn't. The law has removed that prerogative for certain areas. The risks others take for their dogs translate to issues for the rest of us. Seems to me people need to look beyond their own convenience or pleasure and simply obey the law.

Leash up and deal with it people. While you're at it, spare a thought for those who accidentally injure or kill dogs that owners decide not to leash. Hardly a trauma they should have to deal with because you took a risk, not matter how calculated.

I've hit a dog. Bloody awful. And totally freakin preventable.

I beat the crap out of a couple of large dogs with an open golf umbrella because one of them had my little dog in its mouth and the other one was trying to grab her head, it was the easiest thing in the world for me to do, I had no second thoughts I just did it, I would have happily killed both those dogs and danced on their graves. I know it wasn't the dogs fault but humans are predators too and some of us do not like to be f**ked with.

(Sorry about that Haredown it got away with me at the end there) :)

[Alison03]

I thought of this thread this morning when we were rushed by a medium-sized snarling dog through it's open (yet again) front gates. I yelled at it, a lady came out and dragged the dog forcibly inside, telling me "It's alright."

It's not alright, it's the 4th bl**dy time this dog has rushed us through open front gates. Luckily each time, someone has dragged it off the footpath and away. A verbal altercation ensued with the homes' occupants (adult son threatened me for 'swearing at his mother') Adult son pointed at my non-reacting dog and said "Your f*ck'n dog would kill my dog anyway!" Yes, because you can tell that by looking at a dog. *Sigh*

I feel sorry for the dog. This is largely why I haven't reported it previously. Last time it rushed us the person who dragged him away was apologetic "He's old and deaf." His eyesight is spot-on though. He spots us and an open gate, every chance he gets. And if he's deaf, well, all the more reason to shut the gate and keep him away from the road. You'd think.

I've called the council and they are sending a ranger for me to make a statement to. It's clear that the owners of this dog are never going to learn unless action is taken.

You have absolutely done the right thing, everyone should report an incident like this, why should these people be allowed to control the road, this definitely meets the definition of menacing, so be sure to put that word in your report. One day there won't be anyone to drag the dog back inside and he may attack you or some other dog walker, like a child with a little dog for instance. If they shouted he's old and deaf at me I'd shout "Does he still have teeth". if they have gates they should try shutting them to keep the dog in, this kind of thing really gets up my nose, the way they make it sound, like its you thats overreacting and upsetting them.

I try to walk my little dog everyday, because we both need the exercise, but I have to force myself to do it because I almost feel like I'm risking her life every time I take her out, most of the time its fine but now and then some son of bitch who shouldn't own a dog, has his pet running free in the park. Then my walk turns into a shouting match, even though I am clearly in the right because my little dog is leashed and his horse sized dog isn't. I rang animal control and the nice lady told me that if she had a little dog she wouldn't walk it at all, its far to dangerous to take small dogs outside. WTF is that what I pay my rates for. Anyway she wanted the guys name and address, which of course I don't have.

Not wanting to derail Kirty's thread, but I think this may be relevent to emphasize the importance of reporting incidents. As a post-script to my report on being rushed by a dog (through open front gates) on a footpath on Thursday morning, the ranger has spoken to the dog's owners. They made a lot of excuses, their dog is "old, deaf, sneaky" -ranger responded that it was up to them to contain him and shut the gates. They also said that their dog "didn't actually bite" -ranger explained that a dog escaping it's property could run up and lick someone, it's still classed as a dog attack if it rushes someone.

The last excuse/disclaimer was a doozy. The owners said that my dog was a "pitbull" and would have killed their cattledog X anyway, if things ramped up.

Nevermind that my pedigree Boxer has a sweet temperament and been well-socialised with dogs and people. In fact the ranger responded with "Well, aren't you lucky that the lady had socialised her dog, and it didn't react to yours!"

The dog I reported has a history with the council, going back years. The problem is that not many people report these sort of incidents, and there are years in between reports on this dog. The ranger has asked that I report this dog every time he is out, so that she can start issuing infringements. It's the only way owners like this will learn.

Reporting that dog worked out really well for you, looks like it has been the scourge of the neighbourhood for years. Well done.

As much as it scares the shite out of me when a dog rushes out of its garden towards us barking and snarling, its also a bit of luck because I know where it lives and I can report it and I do every time, as we all should, the way we respond to a territorial dog dictates what it will do, so if I was a child and I ran, the dog could chase me right under a car or bite me.

However animal control aren't interested if you can't give them an address, they can't take up a spot in the local park waiting for off leash dogs, they don't have the funds to do that.

PLEASE EVERYONE IF YOU GET RUSHED BY A DOG AND YOU KNOW WHERE IT LIVES OR APPROXIMATELY WHERE IT LIVES, PLEASE PLEASE REPORT THE DOG TO THE LOCAL COUNCIL, YOU COULD BE SAVING SOMEONES LIFE. ALSO IF YOU SEE A PERSON WALKING AN OFF LEASH DOG AND YOU KNOW THAT PERSON AND WHERE THEY LIVE, REPORT THEM TOO. (you can do it anonymously if you like, I don't but the option is there)

[Loving my Oldies]

This means that she is unreliable approximately 0.27% of the time (or reliable 99.73% of the time - which would generally be considered pretty good) yet those times she has been unreliable could have ended very badly and were certainly very stressful for me and my dogs.

Stats are pretty meaningless, raineth :). It takes only a few seconds for lives to be ruined.

well yes that was the point I was making :)

Sorry, missing a brain cell.

[Odin-Genie]

I assume the other people I come into contact with are making their own risk assessments. When they see a dog who is quite clearly under control I expect them to continue on about their day and return my 'hello' as we pass.

Your dog might be a perfect angel but I don't know that. No one can tell by just looking at a strange dog while walking how predictable it is. Which means that all those who want to keep their dogs safe will have to avoid walking on the roads where you walk. It is good to have some consideration for others, particularly when doing otherwise is clearly breaking the law.

[bozzieUD]

Last Saturday my young Aussie was attacked at the KCC Park by 2 dogs who BROKE out of the off leash area . These dogs ( owed by Non-members) ran approx 40 metre to carry out the attack while we had our backs turned, walking away from them. Several things contributed to my dog and I surviving the prolonged attack relatively 'injury free'. Firstly I had my dog ON LEAD. If he was walking free these two Am-staffs ( in appearance ) would have run him down and tore him to pieces .( My dog doesn't have an aggressive bone in his body.) Secondly he has a thick coat. The dogs were biting and swinging off his rear end and only had mouthfuls of hair. Thirdly I hung on to my dogs collar and kicked the attacking dogs in the stomach for all I was worth. ( my dog's life depended on my strength ). There are many things I could write about this attack and Ive spent the week at doctors, council, and reporting to Dogs Vic. All I keep thinking is thank God I had my dog on lead and didn't have my 6yr old son with me. And frankly the way I feel at the moment ( I know this will pass) I wish it was legal to carry Pepper Spray. I couldn't care less if it injured the attacking dogs.

I'm really sorry to hear of your experience, I absolutely empathise with what happened to you as I had a similar thing happen to me, it was only my strength that allowed me to do battle with the two large dogs that attacked me and my non reactive bomb proof Shihtzu. I think it is very restrained of you to suggest carrying pepper spray. I didn't walk my dog for 12 months, and if I had been forced too nothing less than carrying a 357 magnum would induce me to step out of the door with her on my own. No one knows how it feels to be attacked by large dogs out in the open until it happens to them, it was the single most terrifying experiences of my life. At the time I thanked God I didn't have my 4 year old granddaughter with me.

I hope you recover quicker than I did, to be honest I don't think I'll ever fully recover, the care free days of walking my dog are over for me, now I'm constantly on the alert for those superior dog owners with their off leash dogs. I carry a spray called Spray Shield, its harmless to dogs but does have shock value, not sure it would help with the super aggressive dogs but its better than nothing and its legal, unlike pepper spray or a 357 Magnum. :)

You were quick Trudy.:) I actually edited my original post to say I wish I had a hand gun a few minutes later. I wouldn't have hesitated for a moment to use it. You're right about it being one of the most terrifying situations to be in. Its your strength against the attacking dogs strength -with the life of your dog at risk. Whats really rocked me is that I never walk the footpaths and I wouldn't dream of using an off leash park. I walk at Dogs Vic KCC park almost daily as Im 99% sure I''ll be among responsible dog owners. Problem is I have now learned the gen/public are bringing aggressive dogs there because they cant walk them on the streets!! What hope have we got? My husband works on construction sites and Ive asked him to ask the lads for something I can protect myself with. No it wont be a gun. ( as much as Id love one) but it will be something to bring back my confidence to walk my dog. Good luck to you, Trudy Unfortunately too many idiots out there with their 'sense of entitlement' putting our dogs and ourselves at risk. .

[Loving my Oldies]

So many of these posts are really really despressing - and horrifying.

Without going back to do a search, I don't know if it is in this thread wherein I wrote about being charged by a dog who was illegally in a small children's fenced playground. He was in charge of a young boy who was being dragged along the ground, grinning wildly while hanging onto the dog's collar (no lead). I had 5 little dogs so I was madly checking that all the gates to the playground were closed.

I wrote to the Council and also included a couple of other stories.

Response to the playground episode? If I can provide a name and address, they will go around and talk to the people.

Response to other stories/complaints/suggestions? Yes we know. Yes we are always patrolling and no we don't send rangers out for roaming dogs. I have been walking these streets for over 8 years at no set times, and generally twice a day. You'd think the odds would be that I would have seen a ranger's vehicle a couple of times, but have never seen one.

I suggested better signage on the playground. Response: That's not my department but I will forward your letter and then it is up to them.

What it boils down to folks is that we are on our own and we'd better get used to it and deal with it the best way we can.

We can rant and rave (as I have done interminably over the years), but it gets us nowhere.

Life is a gamble, bad things happen, they are going to continue to happen. Life is dangerous and we need to do the best we can to keep ourselves and our dogs safe.

Depressing? You bet. But there are people out there who don't give a rat's arse for anyone and nothing will change them. And pollies will act only if their are votes or media coverage in it.